Social Media Glossary

Manager: A university employee, faculty or staff, primarily responsible for the administration of a social media account(Facebook Fan Page or Group or a Twitter account).

Hashtag: A word or phrase, proceeded by the # character, which social media users can include to help categorize their content. The tool is useful for conferences/events and makes searching for topics or for the monitoring of content posted about our university. The official Clayton State University tag that should be used when possible: #ClaytonState

Facebook: A social networking site that allows users to connect with friends, family, and brands. It is a platform that allows users to share and express what matters to them, opinions, news, events, and photos.

Facebook Page: The primary tool for a business or institution to reach Facebook users with text, photos, and video. A Page's posts are visible to users who have "liked" the Page, in their News Feed.

Facebook Group: A section within Facebook that allows an administrator to build around a specific affinity, hobby, place, or profession, such as a regional alumni network or major-focused group. Any user can create a Facebook Group, which can be closed or Open (Public).

Twitter: A social media site that is considered a network of information. It is an easy way to discover the latest news and subjects you care about. The messages are crafted in 140 character or less and photos from other Twitter users.

Twitter handle: A Twitter user's account name.

Twitter mention: A tweet that refers to another Twitter user. By placing the "@" symbol in front of their name, you are notifying that user they've been mentioned, and linking others to that user's account.

Twitter reply: A semi-private tweet from one user to another.

Instagram: A social media site/app that allows users to post photos and short 15 second videos to engage followers. One can only post to Instagram through a mobile device. Photos and videos can be viewed on mobile devices through the app or by logging onto Instagram via a desktop/laptop computer. Through the app, photos/videos can be shared to Instagram only or linked to other social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Flickr.

Google+: Powered by Google, this social media platform is similar to Facebook. This platform builds off your google account and is easily activated. You have “circles” that are essentially the same as your “friends list” on Facebook. You create and become members of communities based on your interests and passions. Google+ Business pages are very similar to the Facebook Fan page. Google My Business helps your fan base show their appreciation with ratings and reviews, use the +1 button to endorse your content, and re-share your Google+ posts across the web.

LinkedIn: A social media site used for working professionals and job-seekers to build their professional identity, discover professional opportunities and stay in touch with colleagues and classmates.

LinkedIn Company Page: A Company page helps LinkedIn members learn about your business, brand, products and services, and job opportunities.

LinkedIn University Page: A University page helps LinkedIn members instantly connect to a community of prospective students, current students, alumni, and parents who are engaged with our school. This is a place to share information about brand, programs, news, and university resources.

LinkedIn Group: Groups provide a place for professionals in the same industry or with similar interests (regional alumni networks or major-focused alumni affinity groups) to share content, find answers, post and view jobs, make business contacts, and establish themselves as industry experts.

YouTube: A social media site for video sharing.

YouTube Channel: The main type of account within YouTube, for both regular users and brands.

YouTube Playlists: A channel can have multiple playlists, each with its own theme to better organize its videos.

Flickr: A social media site for photo storing and sharing. Typically used for images, video can also be stored/shared here as well. Flickr can also feed thumbnail-image links onto websites through RSS.

Pinterest: A social media site that serves as an online pin board, allowing users to “pin” photos, fashion ideas, recipes, humor, and more by categories. It is similar to the idea of bookmarking a website.

Reddit: A social media site powered by user-generated posts (primarily links) that are voted "up" or "down," moving higher ranked posts to more visible positions on the site. It is community driven.

Snapchat: A photo messaging app that allows users to take photos, record videos, add text and drawings, and send them to a controlled list of recipients. Users set a time limit for how long recipients can view their "Snaps” but will disappear one to ten seconds after viewed.

Tumblr: A microblogging social media site, a cross between a blog and a social networking site like Facebook. It is most popular with younger users. It is powered largely by visual content (photography, animated GIFs, humorous "memes") and some written content. Users can post images, music clips, text and also re-blog from other Tumblr feeds they find interesting.

Vine: A social media app that allows users to shoot and share short video clips maximum length of six seconds that loops automatically. It is shareable through Twitter or to embed into a web page. Similar to Instagram.

Yik Yak: A social media app that allows people to anonymously create and view "Yaks" within a 10-mile radius.